WA sheep allegedly abused in Kuwait
Sheep from farms at Kojonup and Gidgegannup are alleged to have been caught up in another animal abuse claim in Kuwait.
The Federal Department of Agriculture confirmed it was investigating a breach of live export rules after sheep were filmed being sold from backyard markets and stuffed in car boots amid stifling heat at the notorious Al Rai livestock market.
Live export activists Animals Australia said its investigators had counted at least 600 Australian sheep at the market being sold in possible breach of so-called ESCAS regulations.
Animals Australia claimed tags cited on the animals traced the sheep back to anumber of farms in the Wheatbelt.
Kuwait and other Gulf nations have commenced the religious period of Ramadan, which will conclude with the breaking of the feast, known as Eid al Fitr, at the end of the month.
The Al Rai market has been the scene of a series of breaches in past years.
Footage in 2010 of animals being mistreated at the market was a factor in the Government drawing up is ESCAS scheme, which demands Australian-based exporters ensure they deliver to properly accredited slaughterhouses.
Breaches can lead to sanctions or bans on exports to certain markets.
A spokeswoman for the Agriculture Department said officials had already imposed additional requirements on Australian exporters as a result of previous breaches.
It is understood the Department has contacted a WA-based live exporter in connection with this latest investigation.
Kuwait received about 37 per cent of all sheep exported in 2015-16.
Nick Butterly
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